Book excerpt: The main objective of the Food control system assessment tool is to propose a harmonized, objective and consensual basis to analyse the performance of a national food control system. It is intended to be used by countries as a supporting basis for self-assessment to identify priority areas of improvement and plan sequential and coordinated activities to reach expected outcomes, and by repeating the assessment on a regular basis, countries can monitor their progresses. The Tool is based on Codex principles and Guidelines for National Food Control Systems as well as other relevant Codex guidance for food control systems, which are referenced throughout the document. Its scope is given by the dual objectives quoted in Codex guidance for these systems: protect health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade. While the regulatory arm (policy and legal basis supported by official control functions) is usually what comes first to mind when reflecting about a national food control system, the “non-regulatory” components of that system also need to be taken into consideration. Dimension C is part of the Food control system assessment tool and identifies the interactions that must take place for the system to regularly adjust to national and international stakeholders’ evolving needs, to inspire confidence to stakeholders and to keep them well informed about their responsibilities. It focuses on the transparency of communication to consumers and on the food business operators and their integration into the food control system.